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Flood affected praise quick government response

A Hastings oyster farmer has praised all three tiers of government for the speed of their response to floods that ravaged the coast earlier this year.

This week Category C funding assistance was announced for a further seven local government areas, including Port Macquarie-Hastings.

Primary producers can now apply for grants of up to $15,000 for recovery and repair costs.

Hastings oyster farmer Mark Bulley says the industry is grateful.

"They've done very well to turn it around in the time that they have.

"Sometimes these things as we've experienced in the past have taken a lot longer but I reckon they've done an excellent job in making the decision happen as quick as what it has," he said.

Primary producers and small businesses can use the funds to replace infrastructure.

Mr Bulley has estimated that the local oyster industry suffered as much as $1.5 million worth of damage.

He says all levels of government should be congratulated for this week's announcement.

"It's just a matter of industry trying to get it all happening now that they know the green light's there and get it in and if it takes three or four weeks well that's just how the process is and they've got to have the appropriate staff their to be able to deal with the influx.

"We're just grateful that there is the opportunity there to access it," said Mr Bulley.